This website’s content is not a substitute for direct, personal, professional medical care and diagnosis. Under no circumstances should information contained in these pages be seen as a replacement for the advice of doctors, physiotherapists, nutritionists or any other health care professionals. When performing an exercise programme the individual accepts certain risks. While exercise is accepted to be a positive thing, there can be a risk of severe injury and even death. The Fitness Gazette accepts no responsibility for any injuries to individuals. We recommend that all individuals consult your doctor before taking part in strenuous exercise sessions and programmes to ensure it is safe for them to do so.

If an individual is inexperienced in the use of complex weight training and cardio training techniques that they seek the advice of a fitness professional, ensuring proper form and thereby limiting the risk of injury.

The Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PARQ) below is an example of health related questions you would answer when joining a commercial gym. By answering the questions you will gain a better indication of your suitability/readiness for exercise.

Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire

Many health benefits are associated with regular exercise, and the completion of the PAR-Q is a sensible first step to take if you are planning to increase the amount of physical exercise in your life.

For most people, physical activity should not pose any problem or hazard. The PAR-Q is designed to identify the small number of adults for whom physical activity might be inappropriate or those who should seek medical advice concerning the type of activity most suitable for them.

1. Do you have a bone or joint problem such as arthritis, which has been aggravated by exercise or might be made worse with exercise?​​

YES​​

NO

2. Do you have high blood pressure?​​

YES​​

NO

3. Do you have low blood pressure?​​

YES​​

NO

4. Do you have Diabetes mellitus or any other metabolic disorder?​​

YES​​

NO

5. Has your doctor ever said that you have raised cholesterol?​​

YES​​

NO

6. Do you have or ever suffered a heart condition?​​

YES​​

NO

7 Have you ever felt pain in your chest when you do physical exercise?​​

YES​​

NO

8. Is your doctor currently prescribing you drugs or medication?​​

YES​​

NO

9. Have you ever suffered from shortness of breath at rest or with mild exercise?​​

YES​​

NO

10. Is there any history of Coronary Heart Disease within your family?​​

YES​​

NO

11. Do you ever feel faint, have spells of dizziness or have ever lost consciousness?​​

YES​​

NO

12. Do you currently smoke?​​

YES​​

NO

13. Are you, or is there any possibility that you might be pregnant?​​

YES​​

NO

14. Do you know of any other reason why you should not participate in a programme of physical activity?​​

YES​​

NO

If you answered YES to one or more questions:

If you have not already done so, consult with your doctor before increasing your physical activity and/ or taking part in physical activity.

If you answered NO to all questions:

If you answered the PAR-Q accurately, you have reasonable assurance of your present suitability for exercise.

Assumption of Risk

I hereby state that I have read, understood and answered to the best of my knowledge the questions above. I also state that I wish to participate in activities, which may include aerobic exercise, resistance exercise and stretching. I realise that my participation in these activities involve the risk of injury and even the possibility of death. I hereby confirm that I am voluntarily engaging in an acceptable level of exercise, which has been recommended to me.